Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation

Guidelines and Helps (Apr. 2003 General Primary Workshop)

Purpose: Children present the things they have learned during the year

Through Music:  Music from the outline is a vehicle for ALL children to share their testimony; through solos, small groups or as a whole Primary.

In their own words: Draw from talks, memorized Article’s of Faith and scriptures, Class Presentations, principles from Sharing Time, and children’s experiences.

With personal Testimony: Help them KNOW the principles, FEEL the witness of the Spirit, and bear personal TESTIMONY.

Let them sing their testimony without unnecessary prompts and visuals.

We don’t sing to perform.  We SING TO WORSHIP.

What does a Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation look like?  What does it feel like?  IT FEELS LIKE A SACRAMENT MEETING.

Who wrote the Presentation? Why…The children did!

When it comes time to “Write” the Presentation, don’t worry.  You have the Outline and you have the Children!

Use the sharing time outline for YOUR  outline!

Keep careful records:

·        Make notes of talks and testimonies given.

·        Encourage teachers to make note of personal experiences and testimonies shared by the children during class time.

·        Be aware of family experiences that will support.  Use parent involvement.

·        Use parts of class presentations, however, avoid pageantry.  It is not a Program displaying talents, posters or banners.  It is not a play with costumes or props.  Videos, filmstrips, slides or audio may not be used during sacrament meetings.  With the exception of flowers, decorations may not be placed in the chapel area. (Pg. 290 & 321 Church Handbook 2)

Sing the recommended songs: Add supporting songs from Sharing Time and previous Presentations as time permits.

Meet and plan with the Bishopric member early; communicate goals, guidelines, scheduling and obtain approval.

“And it came to pass that he did teach and minister unto the children of the multitude…and he did loose their tongues.  And they did speak unto their fathers great and marvelous things, even greater than he had revealed unto the people, and he loosed their tongues that they could utter.” ~~  3 Nephi 26:14

If we teach and prepare them well, through the Spirit their tongues will be loosed.

The Sacrament Meeting Presentation should help the children feel joy in knowing: (yearly theme)

AFTER THE PROGRAM:

*Refrain from “kicking your feet up, showing a video and passing out treats!”

*Arrange for a member of the Bishopric, a grandmother, or parent to share what they learned from the children through the music and the spoken word.

*Play a word scramble game that gives the children a message of appreciation.

*Ask yourself, “How will the children feel the importance of being “teachers and missionaries?”